Solve It Politically, Not Legally – Bishop Onuoha On Nnamdi Kanu’s Case

Renowned cleric and peace advocate, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Founder and President of Vision Africa International and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, has called for a political resolution to the ongoing detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, the bishop emphasized the need for a dialogue-driven approach rather than prolonged legal battles.

Bishop Onuoha revealed that he met with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday, December 16, 2024. During the meeting, the bishop noted that Kanu was in “high spirits” and expressed optimism that the IPOB leader is open to resolving the misunderstandings. According to the bishop, Kanu has consistently refrained from calling for violence or war, focusing instead on justice and equity.

“He has never called for harm or war,” Bishop Onuoha said. “The justice he seeks is still visible in the challenges we face today, particularly in the hunger and inequality plaguing the country.”

The cleric also stressed that the government’s commitment to democracy should prioritize political solutions to avoid further escalation of tensions. “If the government truly wants to operate democratically, we must all advocate for political solutions. Legal battles only prolong the issue without addressing the root causes,” he said.

Bishop Onuoha lamented the deep-seated injustices in the country, particularly the growing wealth gap and widespread hunger. “When you see the number of people dying because they can’t find food, it’s a glaring injustice,” he stated. He criticized the hoarding of public funds by a privileged few, warning that such practices could lead to a massive uprising by the impoverished.

“This is the time for the country to know that the poor are angry and hungry. If the poor rise, no one can stand it,” he cautioned, urging the government to act decisively to address the grievances of its citizens.

Bishop Onuoha’s remarks come at a time of heightened calls for a peaceful resolution to the issues surrounding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and broader agitations in the Southeast region.